November 2009-Starting Chemo

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited January 2010

    I noticed that the SE on AC lasted longer the further I went. Used to be after I had a Tuesday tx, I was fine by the weekend. I felt good on Wednesday, but Th and Fr were a bust! After tx #4, I didn't feel human until at least Monday. I too am curious about the effects of Taxol. My tx starts this Wednesday...12 weekly treatments, then surgery. Luckily, I don't have to take Decadron pills the night before. Onc said all that stuff will be given to me as a pre chemo cocktail. I asked him for a pineapple chunk and an umbrella.Cool

    Eyebrows are doing good. I don't have to tweeze anymore, but eyelashes are falling out like crazy.

    Love to all!

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  • Shel
    Shel Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2010

    Hello all and a belated Happy New Year.

    I also haven't posted for awhile.  Just thought I would jump in about Taxol.  I am doing dense dose and had my first influsion last Friday.  They do take forever (2 hours and 45 minute just for the Taxol, not including the stick and pre meds and post flush), especially as I am getting all the steriods and benedryl in the pre-mix. 

    So for SE -- with the AC, I felt drugged out all the time, super fatigued, no energy, sensitive mouth and taste buds gone awry.  With the Taxol, so far it is the bone pain.  It is manageable though and I would rather have it then the druggy, not able to concentrate AC feeling.  It is best if you move around with the bone pain, which is hard with a desk job.  But if I get up every hour or so (to go for more Tylenol/Advil), I think I will be fine.

    Anyway, so far, I am happy to be off the AC and only three more treatments to go.

    A good Monday to everyone. 

    Shelley

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Shelley~ I am on the same dosage as you it sounds like.  I also get the pre-meds in my iv first and then fluids for 15-30 mins after the dense dose of taxol.  I was there for about 4 1/2 hrs last time.  I am on my way in a few minutes for taxol #2.  I have to agree with you, definately feel more clear in the head.  But those bone pains and aches for a week after are pretty brutal.  After today just 2 more ~ woo HOO the end is getting near !!!!

    Cafelvr ~ Hope you are doing well.  I am hoping your weekly Taxols are not too hard on you.  Love your comment of the pineapple chunk and umbrella. :)

    Hope everyone has a good day ~ and those going for TX all goes smoothly.

    :)
    Alicia

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited January 2010

    Alicia & Sue - Hope all goes well with your tx today, you will both be in my thoughts and prayers!

    Good morning Warriors - Hope you all have a great day!

    (((HUGS)))

    Toyah 

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  • Shel
    Shel Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2010

    Alicia, good luck today.  A week of pains and aches.  Ugh, I thought it would only last 2-3 days.

    Shelley

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Dang, I lost my post...I hate when that happens....Had a super slow day yesterday.  Couldn't find the energy to get off the couch for long..I have a feeling today will be much the same..oh well.

    Alicia, Sue and anyone else having treatments today...good luck. 

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    Shel,

     I'm so glad to hear from you and also that your dealing much better with the Taxol versus the AC. I was happy my onc went from 8 AC to 6 AC for me~ Lots of the Warriors will be/and/or on Taxol/Taxatorie now, and I'm sure this will be somewhat enlightening. Only if they could do something about the bone pain!!!! I hope all have easier s/e's!!!!! I just seen your post and sorry your bone pain lasted a whole week> Yell

    Cafelovr,

    Trust me when I say I could and want to still light up and enjoy a smoke. Cigarettes are the hardest thing to get over. (son of a bitchin addiction) If not for this cancer crap and knowing how much it takes off my recurrence rate by continuing to smoke as well as cut 60% of the effects of what the chemo is doing for me in killing the metastasis, then I would still be smoking!!!~~~~BUT, I'm not going through all this crap for nothing, HELL I might as well not worry about treatment if I'm going to keep smoking. My onc scared the hell out of me with the stats of what smoking does & doesn't do (so to speak) for chemo/cancer patients. Good Luck with your Tx on Wed.

    Kayh,

    Sorry you had such problems with your AC. Not being able to cope is hard I know. Good luck with the Tx. My fourth AC was the absolute pits for me. I just started to feel better from my New Year's Eve cocktail, woooof what a doozy of a cocktail they served up, just beginning to feel alive and well again. Longest lasting s/e yet for me. I'm glad my onc went to 6 from 9 for me!!

    Alicia,

    Good luck to you also having your second Tx today. I hope you have very little s/e.

    Love to all the "Warriors" (((((HEALING HUGS)))))

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Brenda, I just noticed I am not on your report thing on the top of the page...never noticed until now.  I have one more to go...Do I add it or do you?

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    micheleboots,

    I knew you where on the October Starting Chemo board therefore I just thought you where always just visiting like so many others do.

    I also seen you already have 6 Smile . Congrats on that!!!~~~~ How do you feel after 6? Hey I seen you on a couple of rad boards too. When does your radiation start?

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited January 2010

    I'm reported as finished but I'm not.  My last (#4) is this Wednesday.  I guess at that time I will need to get involved on a surgery board then radiation board.  It's going okay...just hate moving into the unknown :)

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    Sorry SLV/Sherri,

     You had your self as getting TX every 2 weeks there fore your next should have been the 6th, but obviously they scheduled you for a every three week that go round. My brain isn't all that great and I can't anticipate change if I'm unaware. I bet you wish you had had it already for sure~~~~~Smile

    You don't have to leave the board we will want to know how things are going. When is your surgery , is it before your RADS.

    It is so weird, everyone is so different, yet the same. I had 3 surgeries prior, chem, then I'm to have rads following, then pills (not sure which ones yet) but for years my onc said. Aroma-base or something to that effect. So, you need to stay a "Warrior" and keep us a BREAST on things :-)

    (((((Warrior Hugs)))))

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  • mabelle
    mabelle Member Posts: 80
    edited January 2010

    Just thinking of you all today. I'm starting to feel human again after tx #3, 2 kids with the stomach flu, and an out of town husband.

    For anyone facing reconstruction there's a really good post on that thread - called 'reconstruction 101" or something like that. Very informative.

    Good luck to everyone today and gentle hugs to all. 

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    I everyone ~ I had TX#6 today 2 more to go.  No allergic reaction at infusion.  It just took so long.  My WBC was a bit low 6.0.  I am getting Neulasta shot tomorrow.  It took forever today I was there for 6 hours.  First see the oncologist, weight, exam, blood work, then hookup to iv, benadryl, zantac drip pre-cocktail.  Then the taxol, then some more saline only ~ I am feeling okay so far.  Still have the steroid high.  I am exhausted though only slept for 4 hours last night, but I did dose off during chemo today.  I also got great news NO RADS !!!  She said it was not near my chest wall, no invasion in lympatic system and something else.  Clear margins being I had a mx ~ and the no nodes.  So I am clear !  Woo HOO she told me to schedule my exchange surgery for 4-6 weeks after chemo.  Hope everyone is having a good day.

    :)

    Hugs ~

    Alicia

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010
    Great News Alicia!
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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Melinda... another night of barely any sleep.  Hubby was snoring then went into a moaning dream ~ surely not about this bald, breastless wonder.  Kinda made me sad.  So I got up with my red hot chemo flush face and watched tv from 4-6.  Today I take hubby for his Cat SCAN.  I am so worried and yet mad that why would god do this?  I hope and pray nothing shows up.  Then I am off to the dreaded Neulasta shot.  I guess the roids are heading out of me as I am major weepy and just want to crawl in bed and cry all day.  Unfortunately not an option.  Off to get my little man ready for school.

    Hugs girls ~

    Alicia

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  • Melinda41
    Melinda41 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2010

    Alicia I will keep my fingers crossed for you and hubby today.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    Alicia,

    I wish things to go extra smoothe for your husband today. And i feel bad your just wanting to sllep but can't.  Poor lil man, mommy and daddy sick, a'wwwww ~~ How old is he? I am glad your didn't have an allergic reaction, Thank the Lord for the small things!! ~~

    Melinda, Everytime I see your avatar picI think it is me, we are truley sisters!!!~~~

    To all "Warrior" having (AC) or (Tx) today, my thoughts are with esch of you!

    ((((((((((Warrior Hugs & Healing))))))))))

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    No Brenda my son is not sick, he had to get to school early for his cello lessons.  My son is 10 and my daughter 15. 

    Hugs to all, and extra ones to those having TX today ~

    Alicia

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010
    CAT60, InnocentGood luckwith your Surgery today!!!!! The "Warriors" will say X-tra prayers for you today. Know we are with you in our hearts and souls. (((((HEALING HUGS)))))

    Kiss Alicia,

    I was just feeling bad that the lil guy has a sick mama and daddy. Kids can be soooooo sensitive. Even boys! My 9 year ole grandson is super sensitive. At first he had s really hard time with MY baldness, he's good now though.

    DORONETTE     Smile    MOUSSE    Smile     KYASOU    Smile     BOXERSUE    Smile 

    Good luck to each on your Taxol and/or Taxotere today!!!!!!!!

    (((((((minimal side effects)))))

    OMARSMOM7                     Congratulations on completing your chemo journey!!!!!

    DONE with AC Kiss    DONE with TX  Kiss  ~~~~~   Kiss FANTASTIC JOB!!!!!  Kiss  ~~~~~~

    Please keep in touch with us warriors, I know you will have a great DAY!!!!~~~~

    To each ((((HUGS))))

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Brenda, I have only completed 5 so far..I am counting the day until 6 is done....although am not looking forward to the exhaustion after...

    Mabelle, My DH is leaving tomorrow for 4 days...Thank goodness my kids on their own pretty much.

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    Yeah, Micheleboots,

    I see MaryNY does it different in the October Chemo Thread. she gives all flush looking faces that turn into smileys once you have had a TX. I had only noticed the 6 to begin with. I didn't noticed one face was still just flushed looking. Tis glad to see you only have the one left to go. when is it scheduled?  Have a great day!~~

    I did have 8 TX's, last visit my onc changed it to 6! YIPPIE BUT I do have rads following for 6-8 weeks 5 days a week. Urghhhhhhh!!~~~~~How bout you?

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Brenda, my last is on the 28th...can't wait to ring the bell and also get my PICC line out...

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited January 2010

    Michele,

    Good for you!!!!!

    My last isn't untill Feb. 10th, then in about a monthI start my rads. YUCKapola!

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2010

    Alicia,

    Good luck with your hubby's CT scan. I know exactly how you feel, mine had to have one around when I started treatment - he's a survivor of mets from bowel cancer - all clear though.

    I'm sending good vibes to you.

    Sue

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  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Member Posts: 1,529
    edited January 2010

    Well his CT scan is done ~ hopefully we will have results by tomorrow.  Thank god SUE your DH got an all clear.  woo HOO.

    Brenda ~ my next chemo is on 1/25 not 1/18.  Minor detail.  My last chemo is Feb 8th, woo HOO Brenda we are almost there !!!!

    I am still feeling pretty ok, but I am sure tomorrow the pain will start to kick in.  Maybe I will get lucky this time.  I had my Neulasta today and am taking Claritin.  Oncologist was generous to and gave me a refill of vicodens as I told her last taxol I felt as though I was in labor for several days. 

    Michele ~ how are you feeling, seems your taxotere didn't hit you as hard as the last time.  I HOPE not anyways !

    :)

    Alicia

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  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 1,534
    edited January 2010

    Alicia, Congrats on no rads! Take a deep breath and relax :) My fingers are crossed for your hubby. I'm jealous because of the implants Kiss

    Mabelle, I hope your kids make a SPEEDY recovery. Poor things...poor Mama!

    I start my Taxol/Herceptin tomorrow. I noticed that Shel and Alicia have joint pain with the dose dense TH. Does anyone take weekly tx that doesn't have the pain? I have 12 weekly treatments. That's one side effect the dr did NOT mention. One bright side is that I'm done with my Neulasta shots...THANK GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Did anyone ever hear back from CCnani? Just curious!

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  • Sherri_V
    Sherri_V Member Posts: 159
    edited January 2010

    My last scheduled chemo (pre-surgery) is tomorrow morning!

    Does anyone know how long they usually wait before surgery?  I've heard 4 weeks, and, of course, I'll see my onc tomorrow but I have all kinds of questions.  How much longer will I have to keep getting weekly blood draws since my last chemo is tomorrow?  How long will they leave my port in?  Do I really have to go in every month to have it flushed?  Why leave it in past chemo?

    Any info. would be appreciated.  If you know of questions I should be asking please post it.  Tomorrow will be the last "easy day" to ask these questions of onc face to face, without having to make a consultation appointment.

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited January 2010

    Alicia, not so much bone pain this time..I took claritin for a few days but had to stop today...I think I am taking to many pills and wanted to cut back on something...I feel like my stomach can't take another.  It was that, Tylenol, senocot, and soflax...so far it is ok..I am regaining my energy and also eating a little...I guess they go hand in hand....food=energy...but, food=yuck..

    later lovely ladies

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  • Shel
    Shel Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2010

    Good morning, everyone.

     I am on day 6 after dd Taxol and Neulasta shot and still experiencing bone pain plus stomach bloating.  I thought this Taxol would be easier to take than this. 

    Cafelovr -- I don't think you will get the bone pain because it comes from the combination of the Taxol and Neulasta.  I don't think people on weekly dosage get the Neulasta, so hopefully you will miss out on this SE.

    Alicia -- I hope you get good news on your husband's scan today!  I am curious if the bone pain is about the same each time or gets worse.  I am not sure I can work if it is much worse as I am only taking the vicodin at night before bed.  I tried some claritin today so we will see how that goes.

    SLV -- congrats on your last chemo today!  Hope it goes very well.

    Best wishes for a SE free day!

    Shelley

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  • mommy2two
    mommy2two Member Posts: 130
    edited January 2010

    Hope everyone is having a great SE free day!

    I went to the rad onc yesterday to make sure that I was ready to start rads.  They did a blood draw to test for pregnancy just to make sure even though I've had a tubal.  Guess what?  Yes, it came back positive.  The lab does this every day and the doctor felt confident that they didn't make a mistake.  Anyways, I'm going to my gyn at 3:00 for a check-up and a redraw.  Please say a few prayers for me....a potential pregnancy is NOT a good thing after completing chemo.  I pray that this was a false positive somehow.

    Toyah

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